The biomedical piglet: establishing reference intervals for haematology and clinical chemistry parameters of two age groups with and without iron supplementation

Abstract

BackgroundThe similarities between swine and humans in physiological and genomic patterns, and the great correlation in size and anatomy, make pigs extremely useful in preclinical studies. New-born piglets can represent a model for congenital and genetic diseases in new-born children. It is known that piglets may have significant differences in clinicopathological results compared to adult pigs. Therefore, adult laboratory reference intervals cannot be applied to piglets. The aim of this study was to compare haematological and chemical variables in piglets of two ages and determinate age-related reference intervals for commercial hybrid young pigs.Blood samples were collected under general anaesthesia from 130 animals divided into five- (P5) and 30- (P30) day-old piglets. Only P30 animals were treated with parenteral iron after birth. Samples were analysed using automated haematology (ADVIA 2120) and chemistry analysers, and age-related reference intervals were calculated.ResultsSignificant higher values of RBC, Hb and HCT were observed in P30 animals when compared to P5, with an opposite trend for MCV. These results were associated with a reduction of the RBC regeneration process and the thrombopoietic response. The TSAT and TIBC were significantly higher in P30 compared to P5; however, piglets remained iron deficient compared to adult reference intervals reported previously.ConclusionsIn conclusion, this paper emphasises the high variability occurring in clinicopathological variables between new-born and 30-day-old pigs, and between piglets and adult pigs. This study provides valuable reference data for piglets at precise ages and could be used in the future as historical control improving the Reduction in animal experiments, as suggested by the 3Rs principle.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0946-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effects of Increasing Doses of Lactobacillus Pre-Fermented Rapeseed Product with or without Inclusion of Macroalgae Product on Weaner Piglet Performance and Intestinal Development

“…In the current study, we found out that WBC indices were generally within normal ranges compared to reference values [52], and feeding of FRM and PC reduced WBC counts in weaned piglets in contrast to the NC. Conversely, levels of serum immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and IL-6 were increased in response to lower doses (8% or 10% FRM), while the inclusion of AN enhanced IgG but reduced the rests.…”

“…RBC indices are essential markers for efficient oxygen transport to tissues and nutrient utilization for energy release. Although all of the RBC indices investigated were in the normal ranges for all of the treatments in the current study [52], they were increased in piglets fed FRM without or with AN compared to the NC and PC. Bhattarai and Nielsen [53] reported that a positive association exists between growth and hematological indices following weaning.…”

Long-term Effect of Split Iron Dextran/Hemoglobin Supplementation on Erythrocyte and Iron Status, Growth Performance, Carcass Parameters, and Meat Quality of Polish Large White and 990 Line Pigs

“…2). These results clearly indicate that piglets receiving split supplementation and showing slightly anemic RBC status at weaning, during post-weaning period are able to improve RBC parameters, stabilize them within the physiological range [32,[36][37][38], and correct their iron status. This recovery attests a very efficient process of iron absorption from high iron-containing diets given to growing and finishing pigs (see the "Materials and Methods" section).…”

Bioavailability of Microencapsulated Iron from Fortified Bread Assessed Using Piglet Model

“…Therefore, despite some differences between the groups at P44 and P51, the trial did not determine any dangerous or important alterations in the animals, which remained healthy throughout the trial [40]. …”